Illustrator vs artist: what’s the difference? + Creating your portfolio 🥳

Thanks for sending in yer juicy questions. Here are the ones we tackle in this week's podcast episode:

1. “How do I build an illustration portfolio if I only have fine art work?”
2. “What’s the difference between an illustrator and an artist?”

Ahh yes that ol' chestnut. How to pivot from fine art to illustration without losing your mind. We dig into the figuring out what kind of work suits your actual personality. No more trying on other people's uncomfy too-small style jumpers. The illustrator vs artist line is a bit blurry - we get into why that’s actually a good thing. Promise.

Honourable mentions:

• Fenugreek soup
• Dream clients and imaginary briefs
• Katie’s two-week job limit
• "Just make the kind of work you want to get hired for” 

Timestamps

• 00:25 – Q1: How to turn a fine art practice into an illustration portfolio
• 01:00 – Making the kind of work you want to be hired for
• 02:00 – Picking your corner of illustration industry
• 03:30 – Fine art vs illustration: different goals, same skills
• 05:00 – Picture book makers: an exception
• 06:30 – Your personality probs already picked your niche
• 08:20 – Know what suits your work style (and what definitely doesn’t)
• 10:00 – Unexpected places you might find your dream illustration job
• 11:30 – Be a detective: trace the work you love back to the source
• 12:00 – Q2: What’s the difference between an artist and an illustrator?
• 13:30 – Do labels even matter anymore? 
• 14:30 – “Artist” vs “Illustrator” – what clients think they’re hiring
• 15:30 – Choose the title that helps the right people find you

Stuff we mention:

• Our Business Course for Illustrators walks you through exactly how to figure out where you fit and how to build a portfolio that attracts the right clients.
  → Read aaaall aboot it here
• Want to uncover your weirdness and figure out your unique style?
  → Fly your freak flag with us

Got a question for the podcast?
Pop it in the question jar here:
Podcast question form

Thank you!

x Helen, Katie & Tania
The Good Ship Illustration

Come and say hello!

✏️ @thegoodshipillustration
🌏 www.thegoodshipillustration.com

p.s. We love answering your illustration questions. Click here to submit your question for The Good Ship Illustration Podcast 🎙